Goodyear partners with ASU to expand business building services

By Mary Goldmeer
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The Goodyear City Council has approved an intergovernmental agreement  with the Arizona Board of Regents, on behalf of Arizona State University, to enhance the city’s InnovationHub programming through a new one-year partnership.

The agreement, approved as part of the city’s FY2026 budget, outlines a $75,000 collaboration between ASU and Goodyear’s Economic Development Division to jointly plan, market and execute a range of entrepreneurial programs through June 30, 2026. Payments will be made quarterly upon completion of specific milestones and deliverables.

Located on the second floor of the Georgia T. Lord Library at Civic Square, the InnovationHub was established in 2014 and serves as a resource center for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The hub offers free workshops, mentorship, and access to resources aimed at helping local businesses grow and thrive.

“This (intergovernmental agreement) is for one year at $75,000, split into quarterly payments with specific milestones and deliverables. The funding is included in the budget,” said Darah Mann, Goodyear’s deputy director for economic development. “Goodyear's InnovationHub was the first of its kind in the West Valley and is now in its 11th year providing free programs and services to local entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

Under the new agreement, ASU’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute  will help expand InnovationHub services through programming, mentorship, and outreach. Key deliverables include entrepreneur recruitment and development, speaker and mentor engagement, management of an online entrepreneurial community, and new educational initiatives.

Among the planned events and programs for the fiscal year:

• Youth Entrepreneur Fair, a hands-on entrepreneurship event aimed at local youth.
• Small Business Meetups ,two networking and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Business Basics or Startup School, two cohorts of workshops designed to help aspiring business owners launch their ventures.
• Innovation Edge Hybrid Workshops, quarterly sessions focused on topics like intellectual property, nonprofit management, and investor relations.
• Targeted Mentorship, on-demand guidance for business growth.
• Venture Navigation, personalized support and referrals to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges.
• Access to Innovation Spaces, expanded coworking options for local entrepreneurs.
• Online Community Management, creation and support of a digital platform for hybrid learning and resource sharing.

ASU will also be represented at the hub’s monthly Business Builder events, providing exposure to additional university-based resources and networks.

“Goodyear’s InnovationHub is facilitated by the Economic Development team. It exists to support entrepreneurs and business owners through educational opportunities, networking, and mentorships,” stated Claire Bruns, the city’s business development manager for the InnovationHub. “We aim to equip and empower entrepreneurs to exceed their business goals, increase diversity, and enhance the West Valley economy.”

Mann said the ASU partnership will help the city scale up existing efforts and better serve the growing number of entrepreneurs seeking support.

“We’ve seen incredible momentum, and this collaboration with ASU allows us to take InnovationHub programming to the next level,” said Mann. “We’re excited about the expanded resources, mentorship opportunities, and the ability to connect even more people to the tools they need to thrive.”

ASU will provide quarterly reports detailing participation metrics, milestones, and success stories, along with an annual report summarizing outcomes and offering recommendations for future collaboration. City staff will return to the council next year to evaluate the partnership and seek approval for continuation.

“This is a great program, so I have been a big fan of all you do with the InnovationHub,” said Councilmember Brannon Hampton. “I know a lot of successful entrepreneurs that have gone through there. It’s a great resource for our residents that they can learn more about starting a business and be good business owners and hopefully set up shop here in Goodyear.”

The agreement may be extended or modified by mutual written agreement after the initial term ends in June 2026.

For more information on Goodyear’s InnovationHub and upcoming events, visit goodyearaz.gov.